I am having the same problem with my Media Console as well.  The Up Volume stays light and it is causing boot problems and volume problems.  The Media Console issue affects the Studio 15 and Studio 17 line.  I am starting the RMA process to get a refund as I find this unacceptable. 

For users of these models who would like to keep using their laptops I would suggest you by pass the Media Console by unplugging the cable from the motherboard.  The technical manual can be found via your favorite search engine and I suggest only experienced technicians do the work as you can damage the laptop if you are not careful.

Dell should address this common defect.  Who knows if this is a cable connector problem on the motherboard or a software problem. 

It is a shame that Dell is shipping these defective units to their customers.  As an IT professional I have traditionally recommended Dell products.  I will not recommend the Studio line.

I am thinking of asking a dell xps instead of a refund. But as far as i know, XPS also has this media panel. Does anyone have any related problems with xps? Do you know if XPS has this kind of problem. A friend of mine who has an XPS 1530 has not mentioned anything like this. It is very difficult to get your money back. Anyway, thanks for your comment

So far everyone that has a studio 15 or 17 has experienced this defect. Dell has been unable to resolve this problem. Quite frankly, it is VERY annoying especially when you're working in the early morning and a simple audio sound becomes a roar because the volume is automatically maxed out (and refuses to mute or lower) due to the defective panel.

So far everyone that has a studio 15 or 17 has experienced this defect. Dell has been unable to resolve this problem. Quite frankly, it is VERY annoying especially when you're working in the early morning and a simple audio sound becomes a roar because the volume is automatically maxed out (and refuses to mute or lower) due to the defective panel.

After examining the media center cable on the system board end, noticed a couple of the gold leads have actually been pulled away from the cable.  It seem that Dell has used the cheapest ribbon cable avail for this part...

I bought an XPS M1530 right before Thanksgiving and I too am having problems with the media buttons. The eject button comes on by itself with no disk in the drive or with a disk in the drive. The volume buttons come on and off by themselves. All the buttons take turns coming on at different times, one after the other. Sometimes if the button is lit up and I push it, it turns off. They are the touch sensitive buttons along the top of the keyboard. It's been going on for the last couple weeks and is very annoying!

I to had the same problem on a Studio 1735, When working an different issue I had to do a factory re-image and did notice after I had did that the problem was gone, The panel still required you to press down hard in order to get it to respond. I did an exchange did not have a problem with the panel until a few days laters where the eject was staying lit. I ran a diag and also had to do a re-image again due to similar probs that I had with the first one and I have not had any problems since with that. But again I have only used it a few time since then as I am trying to return it and possible go with a different mfgr. As for a fix did you check out the Dell download section? You may want to see about getting an exchange if the problem continues. If you have not installed to many personal things you could try the re-image as it did work for me but you will lose everything and then have to go back and update any drivers you may have already update prior.

I also experience the same issue with my fortnight old 1537.

Seems that the problems is being over looked by Dell.

On contacting the support, they shamelessly guide us to opening and setting it up correctly. cant the aassembly line not take care of the issue correctly?

I am asking dell for a replacement.

I am facing the similar issues..

I returned my first set , and got a replacement, which again is behaving the same way.. and now Dell refuses to return the system...as it has crossed 21 days.  Any solution to this??

So after experiencing this same problem and reading this thread, I contact Dell Support to begin the process of getting a new media panel so I can go on with my life.  The "technician" follows his script and takes over the computer.  He wants to flash a BIOS upgrade which I let him do... doesn't help.  Then he wants to uninstall QuickSet which I let him do.  On re-boot from the uninstall of Quick Set, I get a Windows Recovery Error.  Four hours later Dell still can provide me with the instructions to boot the machine.  Now they are telling me that I need to re-install Windows and loose all the data on my machine.  I ask him if he needs the address to send the check to for pulling the data off the hard drive and he says that Dell will not be paying for it since it is my problem and that Dell is not responsible.  I gave them control of the machine, they performed the actions, and corupted the windows installation, and now it is MY problem.  All I wanted was to get the media panel fixed!  I have a house and business full of Dell computers, I will be purchasing from a different manufacturer from now on.  If you experience this problem, just tell the Dell technician to send you the replacement media panel, do not let them go through their script as your data may not make it out alive.

I don' t really think this is a media panel issue. there must be a pressing issue underneath media panel, or an electricity issue. i noticed that my panel got stuck 1. after using the battery, 2. after switching on my computer from all night connected on power supply, 3. after entering from sleep mode.

changing media panel usually doesn' t solve the problem.